Can I step into my thrilling new role as a Hay House Author? I CAN DO IT!
As promised, here is my personal rundown of the Hay House ICDI Conference – the first I’ve attended as an official Hay House Author. You know that classic metaphysical exercise where you build your own imaginary mastermind group with every great thinker you’ve ever admired, past or present? Or, if you don’t read classic metaphysical literature . . . you know that party game where you get to fill an imaginary table with every public personality you’ve ever wanted the chance to party with face-to-face? I just lived mine!
My Cinderella weekend started off with an opportunity Thursday night to tell Brian Weiss about a life-altering experience I had many years ago in one of his workshops. Even though he must hear similar stories all the time, he seemed genuinely interested. As far as I can tell, there is not a single person connected to Hay House in any capacity who is not a simply wonderful being.
I was thrilled to reconnect with beautiful Marci Shimoff, one of my absolute favorites in the field. Marci and I had met over a decade ago when we were both working on Chicken Soup for the Soul books with Jack Canfield and Mark Victor Hansen, and her enthusiasm and authenticity have always been such an inspiration to me. She was so warm and welcoming and her workshop was spectacular.
Another source of inspiration that set this conference apart from others I’ve attended was Nancy Levin’s exquisite poetry prior to each keynote speech. Nancy’s poems wove a lyrical, literary thread through the weekend and certain delicious lines stayed with me throughout each day. I can’t wait for her book to come out!
On Saturday night, over champagne, I got to chat with delightful Sonia Choquette (and Shamrock, the hottie musician who performs during her workshops) along with lots of other Hay House luminaries. It was fun telling Eldon Taylor that he whispers to me and my kids every night while we sleep (he’s the guy with the amazing subliminal programming CD’s.)
A more recent addition to the Hay House team – one that blew me away – was Dan Caro, friend of Wayne Dyer and a KICKASS drummer. This guy exuded an energy and presence that just filled me up. I’m definitely hoping to get to know him better.
Though the weekend offered opportunities to meet brilliant industry leaders like Gregg Braden, Bruce Lipton, Marianne Williamson, Louise Hay, Wayne Dyer, Deborah King, Robert Holden, Cheryl Richardson, and Christiane Northrop, it wasn’t at all the kind of situation where I felt compelled to “make the most” of every introduction. The Hay House family is so genuine and welcoming, I just felt at home every step of the way.
Best perk of the conference by far – the lifelong friendships I began with fellow Hay House newcomers Asia Voight and Karen McCrocklin. Extraordinary women with extraordinary stories and talents. Plus, I loved sharing the experience with my wonderful long-standing friends Michele Landers and Elizabeth Smith.
Even though this will be the 36th book Ive had published, and my other books have sold over 5 million copies, I’ve never come close to being as excited about any book as I am about this one. I feel like I’m finally stepping fully into who I am. (And if it hadn’t taken me so damn long to get here, I wouldn’t have as much to write about, now would I?)
Juicy Joy – 7 Simple Steps to Your Glorious, Gutsy Self will be published by Hay House late next year or early 2012. The first online Juicy Joy integration program will be released in a few months. I’m feeling juicy joyful indeed.
